Words of Comfort...

I've found comfort in a lot of words recently.

Yesterday I received a card from a sweet new friend. A friend that has intertwined her family with ours in a powerful way. Amy.. the words on the card you sent made me weep. The effort you went through to send me a card, share your intimate story of your own failed adoption, and the reminder that we both believe in the One that has planned our lives and will work everything for good in the end touched me deeply.

Brandon came home from church Sunday and excitedly told me about the sermon.. on perseverance. (I was home sick with sick kiddos.) He said it gave him goosebumps as the sermon started.

Many of you have sent messages of thoughts and prayers for our family. We are so thankful for each of you and your outpouring of messages.

When I got into the van on Friday afternoon my eyes stung. I wasn't sure I had any tears left at all. I was driving to get some groceries and I heard a familiar song that took on a whole new meaning to me. I pulled over as soon as possible and laid my head on the steering wheel and sobbed. My body shook. As the song ended, I played it again. And again. Eventually, I could sing with the song. Just a few words, here and there. And eventually, I could sing the whole song with misty eyes..

Today the same song came on as I was running errands, and I turned it up. Loud. And I sang like no one was watching. It was me and God-- an intimate worship experience in the middle of afternoon traffic. I've internalized the words. This is our song for now.

One day my song will change but for now, this is where we are. (Emphasis mine.)

I Will Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now

God You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

Chorus:

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to You

And raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You
And as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away

(Chorus)

I lift my eyes unto the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord

The Maker of Heaven and Earth

(Chorus x 2)

Heart torn, but praising Him in the storm,
~Stephanie